CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

When measuring a line, the direction is described by which angle?

1. Vertical angle

2. Horizontal angle

3. True north angle

4. Inclination angle

The correct answer is: Horizontal angle

The direction of a line in land surveying is typically described by the horizontal angle. This angle is measured in a horizontal plane and is crucial for establishing the orientation of a line relative to a reference direction, such as true north or a local meridian. The horizontal angle allows surveyors to communicate the direction of the line in a way that can be universally understood and reproduced in the field. In surveying, horizontal angles are essential for triangulation and for establishing the positioning of points on a two-dimensional plane. They provide a clear indication of how a line is situated relative to the cardinal directions or to other lines, enabling accurate mapping and plotting of terrain features. Other angles mentioned, such as vertical angles, describe the angle above or below the horizontal plane and are primarily used for elevation measurements rather than determining direction. The true north angle refers specifically to the orientation relative to the geographical north pole, which may not be necessary when simply describing the direction of a line unless specified in that context. Inclination angles are associated with the slope or tilt of a line rather than its directional component, further distinguishing their purpose from that of horizontal angles in surveying.